Taranaki dreaming .... of what's next

I've visited New Plymouth in Taranaki countless times for work, but I also come here on holiday.

In fact, we've had our annual summer holiday break in the beach community of Oakura in six out of the last ten years!

Today is our last day of a seven-day visit, which was great timing for relaxation and deep reflection.

I've been able to spend quality time with my family, go to the Festival of Lights at Pukekura Park, swim every day in the giant surf, walk in the forest, go for bike rides, eat amazing food, and plunge into icy cold streams.

I was also able to meditate on what the future might bring as I prepare to leave a company I've worked at for over a decade.

And, of course, take some photographs of the spectacular landscape.

Lake Mangamahoe reflections of the Maunga.

Cape Egmont Lighthouse with the Maunga at sunset.

There can't be many places to holiday in with a volcano as a backdrop, or where you can slide down a rock face into a freezing cold mountain pool :-)

It's also a place to eat amazing food: thank you Social Kitchen!!

Basically, this week has been about relaxing, taking it easy and watching the sun go down.

Next week, it's back to work, well, for a while at least.

Big news from me is that I've decided to quit my "day job".

After ten years at the same company, I'd been feeling for some time that I wanted a change, and circumstances have aligned to provide me that opportunity.

There are no hard feelings, and I wish them all the best, but I have chosen to leave and will be finishing up in April.

So, what's next? I plan to take some time out, reflect on what I want to do next.

I'll then look for a new role, something that excites and challenges me and will allow me to continue to grow and develop as an empathetic leader.

Here's to the future, as they say:

"To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other and to feel".

That is the purpose of Life.